Perioperative Clinical Research at Duke

Elliott Bennett-Guerrero, M.D., heads the Perioperative Clinical Research division at the Duke Clinical Research Institute. Perioperative

research helps to reduce complications pertaining to surgical and anesthetic procedures. These

complications arise from many different causes and can affect any organ system. For example,

transfusion of red blood cells saves lives in cases of severe anemia and blood loss, however, there is growing evidence that this same intervention

may result in more complications in some settings.

Approximately 60,000 patients undergo surgery per day in America, and most do not suffer serious complications. Still, the amount of patients who do experience issues is significant, especially in higher risk patients such as the elderly and those with pre-existing medical problems.

These complications are often debilitating, and, in some cases, fatal. Perioperative complications can occur even

in cases in which the surgery itself is completely successful; heart attack, kidney failure, stroke, and

memory loss may occur. Anesthesiologist and Intensivist Elliott Bennett-Guerrero draws upon his broad range of

experience within the medical field to better shed light on this difficult, yet vital topic.